Venkatesh stays
the leader

A STAFF REPORTER

Calcutta: GM M.R. Venkatesh continued to lead the field with 7.5 points after the 10th round of the Tata National Premier Chess Championship at the Khudiram Anushiram Kendra, on Thursday. The 13-round Swiss league meet is being organized by Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy and All Sport Management.

Two players are in the second spot with 7 points each.

Venkatesh, playing White against IM Vidit Gujrathi got active pay on the queenside in a Reti opening but Vidit sacrificed the exchange to get counter in the centre.

The game was eventually drawn in 25 moves. GM G.N. Gopal won a long game in a rook ending against IM Anurag Mhamal of Goa in a Ruy Lopez opening.

GM Deep Sengupta made short work of GM Sahaj Grover by a brilliant knight sacrifice on the 23rd move in a Slav defence. IM Swapnil Dhopade of Central Railways went down to G.Akash in a Sicilian Dragon in 66 moves.

Meanwhile, the 13-year-old Aravindh Chithambaram withdrew from the tournament to take part in the National U-13.

Neelotpal Das took his tally to 6 points with a victory against P.Kartikeyan while WGM Mary Ann Gomes drew against Diptayan Ghosh.